The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) has been accused of stealing information and building flawed components for a NASA rocket in a Seattle federal court.
Colorado-based Wilson Aerospace accused Boeing on Wednesday of continuing to use its intellectual property after the two worked together between 2014 and 2016.
Boeing had sought help from Wilson to safely attach engines to NASA's Space Launch System rocket, the latter claimed, and created risks to astronauts by using company secrets without “full instructions”.
According to Wilson, Boeing stole designs for a torque wrench but later produced “critically deficient” versions, with the use of “mismatched” tools blamed for causing leaks which delayed the rocket's launch last year.
“Boeing has captured billions of dollars in revenue because of the infringement of Wilson's trade secrets,” the company argued in a court filing.
Wilson is suing for “all revenues and profits Boeing has obtained as a result” of using the information, alongside seeking triple damages.
Design features for bolt installation tools were also stolen and used on Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner passenger jet, Wilson alleged.
Boeing responded by arguing that Wilson’s lawsuit was “rife with inaccuracies and omissions,” adding: “We will vigorously defend against this in court”.